Systems and methods for separating battery components

Abstract

Systems and methods for separating battery components separate a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a first layer of polymer separator, and a second layer of polymer separator of a battery. A housing of the battery is cut to remove a battery cell core, which is then washed to remove electrolyte therefrom. An outer wrap of the washed battery cell core is cut to form an open loose end, and the open loose end is engaged with a first roller and a second roller to uncoil a cell stack roll. The cell stack roll includes the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the first layer of polymer separator, and the second layer of polymer separator. The cell stack roll is then separated by the first roller, the second roller, a third roller, and a fourth roller into the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the first layer of polymer separator, and the second layer of polymer separator. Each layer is then separately collected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of this patent application relates to the recycling of batteries, such as conventional lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, and more specifically to systems and methods for separating such batteries into their casing, positive electrode, negative electrode and polymer separator layer. Background Technology

[0002] Batteries are used in all portable electronic devices. Lithium-ion batteries are a very common type of rechargeable battery. A typical lithium-ion battery consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a polymer separator, which are then protected by a casing. The most common structure for lithium-ion batteries is a rolled-up battery cell core, in which the positive electrode layer, negative electrode layer, and two polymer separator layers are rolled up and placed inside a casing, which can be a rigid casing or a flexible package.

[0003] The handling and recycling of lithium-ion batteries have garnered significant attention because these batteries contain not only valuable materials but also those harmful to humans and the environment. Before any chemical recycling process (e.g., hydrometallurgical or high-temperature metallurgical processes) aimed at extracting valuable materials (such as cobalt, lithium, copper, etc.) from the battery, the battery must first be safely disassembled, and the various material components must be carefully separated. After the casing is removed, the remaining components of the "battery cell core" must be separated into the positive electrode, negative electrode, and polymer separator before recycling.

[0004] Conventional processes typically involve breaking the battery into small pieces and then extracting valuable metals from the resulting mixture. However, because the positive and negative electrode powders are mixed together, subsequent separation is very difficult. Clearly, a more ideal approach would be to unfold the battery cell core while simultaneously separating the positive, negative, and polymer separator layers from each other. Therefore, systems and methods for separating battery components that address the aforementioned problems are in line with industry expectations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A system for separating battery components includes at least one gripper for holding the battery to be separated into its components. A feeding device, such as a ramp or similar, may cooperate with a battery holding device suitable for receiving and securing the battery, allowing the at least one gripper to hold the battery firmly when it is located in the battery holding device. A first cutting device cuts the battery casing to expose the battery cell core. To cut the battery casing, the at least one gripper and the battery can be held statically, allowing the cutting device to rotate about it to form a circumferential cut through the battery casing. Alternatively, the cutting device can be held statically, and the at least one gripper and the battery can rotate relative to the cutting device to form a circumferential cut.

[0006] Once the battery casing is removed from the battery cell core, the battery cell core is transported to a washing device, which is at least partially filled with a washing solution to remove the electrolyte from the battery cell core. The washed battery cell core is then removed from the washing device and dried while being transported to the next cutting station. At the cutting station, a second cutting device cuts the outer wrapping layer of the battery cell core to form open / closed ends. A peeling device is provided to engage the open / closed ends of the battery cell core to unwind the cell stack. The cell stack is formed of a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, a first polymer separator, and a second polymer separator.

[0007] Multiple rollers receive and selectively drive the movement of the battery cell stack roll. The multiple rollers separate the battery cell stack roll into a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, a first polymer separator layer, and a second polymer separator layer. It should be understood that any suitable arrangement and / or configuration of the rollers can be used. As a non-limiting embodiment, the first and second rollers can receive and selectively drive the movement of the battery cell stack roll, and as the battery cell stack passes through the first and second rollers, as the battery cell stack is sandwiched between them, the first and second rollers separate the battery cell stack into a first sub-cell stack including a first polymer separator layer and a negative electrode layer, and a second sub-cell stack including a second polymer separator layer and a positive electrode layer. The first sub-cell stack is then sandwiched between the first and third rollers to separate the first sub-cell stack into a first polymer separator layer and a negative electrode layer. The second sub-cell stack is sandwiched between the second and fourth rollers to separate the second sub-cell stack into a second polymer separator layer and a positive electrode layer.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment, the first and second rollers can separate the cell stack into a first polymer separator and, in one possible case, a first sub-cell stack including a negative electrode layer, a second polymer separator, and a positive electrode layer. The first sub-cell stack is arranged between the second and third rollers in this possible arrangement to separate the first sub-cell stack into a negative electrode layer and, in one possible case, a second sub-cell stack including a second polymer separator and a positive electrode layer. The second sub-cell stack is then sandwiched between the second and fourth rollers to separate the second sub-cell stack into a second polymer separator and a positive electrode layer.

[0009] In two exemplary arrangements, for layer separation, each of the first, second, third, and fourth rollers can be formed as a hollow cylindrical shell with multiple perforated surfaces. A negative pressure or vacuum is applied within the hollow cylindrical shell, causing the cell stack (or sub-cell stack) to adhere tightly to the outermost layer of the roller, separating the closest layer from the remaining layers. The corresponding layer of the positive electrode layer, negative electrode layer, first polymer separator, and second polymer separator can then be separated from the surface of the roller by at least partially blocking at least a portion of the multiple perforations or by blowing pressurized fluid through the multiple perforations.

[0010] After the separation of each layer, the positive electrode layer, negative electrode layer, first polymer membrane layer, and second polymer membrane layer are collected in the positive electrode layer collection box, negative electrode layer collection box, first polymer membrane layer collection box, and second polymer membrane layer collection box, respectively. During separation by vacuum rollers, each layer must be separated from its corresponding roller; therefore, as a non-limiting embodiment, each collection box may be equipped with a scraper or similar structure adjacent to the roller.

[0011] These and other features of this subject matter will be explained more clearly in the application documents below. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F and Figure 1G The diagram illustrates the casing removal process in the battery casing removal section of a battery component separation system.

[0013] Figure 2A The diagram illustrates the washing process of the battery cell core in the washing section of a battery component separation system.

[0014] Figure 2B The diagram illustrates Figure 2A One possible implementation of the washing section.

[0015] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the drying and transport process of the battery cell core in the drying and conveying section of the battery component separation system.

[0016] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the process of the outer casing of the battery cell core being cut in the cutting section of the battery component separation system.

[0017] Figure 5A The diagram illustrates how the battery cell core is unrolled and unfolded in the unrolling separation section of the battery component separation system, as well as the separation process of each layer.

[0018] Figure 5B Is Figure 5A A perspective view of the rollers used in the reverse rolling section.

[0019] Figure 5C The diagram illustrates Figure 5A One possible implementation of the anti-rolling section.

[0020] Figure 5D The diagram illustrates Figure 5A Another possible implementation of the anti-rolling section.

[0021] Figure 6 The structural diagrams of each section of the battery component separation system are demonstrated.

[0022] Similar reference features consistently indicate the corresponding features in all the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0023] System 100 for separating battery components is a multi-stage system for separating a battery, such as a conventional lithium-ion rechargeable battery, into a casing, positive electrode, negative electrode, and polymer separator layer, as a non-limiting embodiment. It should be understood that system 100 can be applied to any type of lithium-ion battery with its cell core rolled up and protected by a casing (including a rigid shell or soft metal). Furthermore, it should be understood that system 100 can be used with any suitable type of cylindrical, cuboid, or pouch cell battery with rolled-up cell cores.

[0024] As in Figure 1A-1C As shown, in the initial battery casing removal section 10, at least one clamp is provided to hold the battery B to be separated into its respective components. Figure 1A-1C Two such grippers 14, 16 are shown, but it should be understood that any suitable number of grippers can be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that grippers 14, 16 are shown for illustrative purposes only, and any suitable type of gripper or other clamping tool can be used. As a further non-limiting embodiment, each of the grippers 14, 16 may be a three-finger gripper. As discussed above, it should be understood that system 100 can also be used with a cuboid battery. In such a case, grippers 14, 16 may, as a non-limiting embodiment, be a flat panel gripper.

[0025] As in Figure 1AAs shown, the feeding device 12, such as a ramp or similar, can cooperate with the battery securing device 18, which is suitable for receiving and securing the battery B, allowing the grippers 14, 16 to hold the battery B when it is seated in the battery securing device 18. It should be understood that the ramp 12 and the battery securing device 18 are shown for illustrative purposes only, and any suitable type of feeding or loading device can be used, and any suitable type of securing device can be used to receive the battery B.

[0026] The battery retainer 18 can be movable, allowing it to be moved to a certain position when the battery B is ready to be received. It should be understood that the battery retainer 18 can have any suitable configuration, including, as a non-limiting embodiment, a clip, a holder, a magnet, a vacuum, or a combination thereof. Figure 1A In the diagram, battery B is shown being loaded into battery holder 18 by ramp 12; however, as mentioned above, system 100 can also be used with cuboid batteries or pouch batteries. Therefore, the exemplary ramp 12 can be used for cylindrical batteries and, as a non-limiting embodiment, a conveyor belt or similar device can be used for cuboid batteries or pouch batteries.

[0027] Because system 100 is designed to handle multiple batteries (i.e., rather than a system that handles single batteries, system 100 can be used for continuous battery recycling), batteries B must be arranged in the same direction (i.e., the positive terminal of each battery must face the same direction) before being placed in the feeding device 12. This can be done with a robotic arm or similar device that works in conjunction with an automated battery identification and sorting system, which can be used to classify batteries into different types and shapes.

[0028] The first cutting device 15 is close to the battery casing of battery B and forms a circumferential cut 24 through the battery casing, as shown in... Figure 1D As shown in the diagram. To cut the battery casing, the first cutting device 15 can remain static, and the grippers 14, 16 and battery B can rotate relative to the first cutting device 15 to form a circumferential cut 24, as shown in... Figure 1B As shown in the diagram. Furthermore, as demonstrated, once battery B is firmly gripped by clamps 14 and 16, the battery retaining device 18 can move away. Another possibility, as in... Figure 1CAs shown, the holders 14, 16 and battery B can remain static, allowing the first cutting device 15 to rotate around it, forming a circumferential cut 24 through the battery casing. It should be understood that the first cutting device 15 can be any suitable type of cutting tool. Non-limiting embodiments of such a cutting device include knives, laser cutters, needles, circular saws, serrated blades, water jets, EDM cutters, or combinations thereof. Once the cutting is complete, the first cutting device 15 can be moved away and returned to a standby position. Furthermore, although the first cutting device 15 is shown as a single cutter, it should be understood that multiple cutters can be used.

[0029] As in Figure 1E As shown, once the circumferential cut 24 is fully formed, dividing the battery casing into two halves B1 and B2, the clamps 14 and 16 can move axially (in... Figure 1E In the orientation, respectively to the left and right, to expose the battery cell core C. For example, in Figure 1F and 1G As demonstrated, once the battery cell core C is exposed, another clamp 22, gripping tool, or similar device can firmly grip the battery cell core C, allowing the two halves B1 and B2 to be completely removed from it. Clamps 14 and 16 can release the two halves B1 and B2 into a collection box containing water or a similar solvent to remove any remaining electrolyte. Clamps 14 and 16 can then be moved back into position. Figure 1A The process of processing the next battery begins in the initial position.

[0030] exist Figure 1A-1E It should be understood that the operations described above that occur in the battery casing removal section 10 can be carried out in an isolated and sealed housing filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon or similar to prevent rapid reactions between air and battery electrolyte, which could lead to fire and / or explosion.

[0031] As in Figure 2A As shown, the clamp 22 transports the battery cell core C to a washing section 20, which includes a washing device 26 at least partially filled with a washing solution 32 to remove electrolyte from the battery cell core C. The washing solution 32 not only simply washes the battery cell core C, but also allows electrolyte to diffuse from the interior of the battery cell core C into the washing solution 32. Non-limiting embodiments of the washing solution include water, acid / base (e.g., NaOH) solutions, aqueous salt solutions, organic solvents (e.g., benzyl alcohol), and combinations thereof.

[0032] It should be understood that, Figure 2AThe wavy sliding configuration of the washing device 26 shown is illustrated for illustrative purposes only. The battery cell core C moves along the washing device 26 to wash the electrolyte on its surface, diffusing the electrolyte from the interior of the battery cell core into the washing solution 32, and dissolving any remaining adhesives, binders, or similar substances. Organic solvents can be used as the washing solution 32 for dissolving adhesives. The length of the washing device 26 can be designed based on the required residence time of the battery cell core C in the washing solution 32. It should be understood that the battery cell core C can be moved along the washing device 26 by any suitable technique. Non-limiting embodiments of such transport include movement caused by the flow of the washing solution 32, a conveyor belt in the washing device 26, movement under gravity, and the like. As a non-limiting embodiment, the battery cell core C may remain in the washing solution 32 for approximately 15 minutes.

[0033] Optionally, in Figure 2B In an optional configuration, the clamp 22, which still holds the battery cell core C in place, can be immersed in the washing solution 32 contained in the washing device 26'. In this optional configuration, the clamp 22 holds the battery cell core C and moves it along a predetermined path within the washing device 26'.

[0034] The washed battery cell core C is then removed from the washing unit 26 by another clamp 28 (or, alternatively, by clamp 22) and moved to the drying and transport section 30. (As in...) Figure 3 As shown, the drying and transport section 30 includes a conveyor belt 34 or similar for transporting the battery cell core C to the cutting section 40. Figure 3 In the diagram, the conveyor belt 34 is shown with pleats or grooves for securing the battery cell core C; however, it should be understood that the conveyor belt 34 is shown for illustrative purposes only and can be any suitable type of transport, such as any suitable type of conveyor belt, slide, or similar. While being transported, the washed battery cell core C can be dried using a drying device 36, oven, heater, or similar generated hot air (HA). Figure 4 As shown, in cutting section 40, the second cutting device 42 cuts the outer wrapping layer of the battery cell core C to form an open, loose end 38. (As shown in...) Figure 5A As shown, a sheet opener 56 is provided for engaging the open and unwinding end 38 of the battery cell core C to unwind the cell stack.

[0035] Battery cells are stacked and rolled, as in Figure 4As shown, it can be formed by a positive electrode layer 52, a negative electrode layer 46, a first polymer separator 44, and a second polymer separator 48. It should be understood that the specific order of the first polymer separator 44, the negative electrode layer 46, the second polymer separator 48, and the positive electrode layer 52 may be different for all batteries; however, the foregoing and following processes can still be applied.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be understood that the second cutting device 42 is shown for exemplary and illustrative purposes only, and any suitable type of cutting device may be used. Non-limiting embodiments include blades, cutting edges, lasers, localized flames, heated elements, and the like. Ideally, in cutting section 40, only the outer wrapping layer is cut by the second cutting device 42. However, it is possible that one or more layers of the battery cell core will be cut simultaneously, especially if a blade is used for cutting. Any small pieces cut from the open, loose end 38 of the battery cell core C cannot be recycled and will be collected in a separation tank. It should be understood that if an organic solvent is used in the washing device 26 / 26' and the organic solvent dissolves the adhesive that adheres the wrapping layer to the battery cell core C, thereby forming the open, loose end, the cutting process performed by the second cutting device 42 may be skipped.

[0037] Multiple rollers receive and selectively drive the movement of the battery cell stack. The multiple rollers separate the stack into a positive electrode layer 52, a negative electrode layer 46, a first polymer separator 44, and a second polymer separator 48. It should be understood that any suitable arrangement and / or configuration of the rollers can be used. Figure 5A In a non-limiting embodiment, in the dewinding section 50, the first roller and the second rollers 58, 64 respectively receive and selectively drive the movement of the cell stack roll. It should be understood that the battery cell core C can be moved from the cutting section 40 to the dewinding section 50 using any suitable method, such as a conveyor belt, a slide, or the like. As the cell stack roll passes through the first roller and the second rollers 58, 64, as the cell stack roll is sandwiched between them, the first roller and the second rollers 58, 64 separate the cell stack roll into a first sub-cell stack comprising a first polymer separator 44 and a negative electrode layer 46, and a second sub-cell stack comprising a second polymer separator 48 and a positive electrode layer 52. The first sub-cell stack is then sandwiched between the first roller 58 and the third roller 62 to separate the first sub-cell stack into the first polymer separator 44 and the negative electrode layer 46. The second sub-cell stack is sandwiched between the second roller 64 and the fourth roller 66 to separate the second sub-cell stack into a second polymer separator 48 and a positive electrode layer 52.

[0038] exist Figure 5CIn another non-limiting embodiment shown, the first roller and the second rollers 58' and 64 can respectively separate the battery cell stack into a first polymer separator 44 and, in one possible case, a first sub-cell stack including a negative electrode layer 46, a second polymer separator 48, and a positive electrode layer 52. The first sub-cell stack is sandwiched between the second roller 64' and the third roller 62' in this possible arrangement to separate the first sub-cell stack into a negative electrode layer 46 and, in one possible case, a second sub-cell stack including a second polymer separator 48 and a positive electrode layer 52. The second sub-cell stack is then sandwiched between the second roller 64' and the fourth roller 66' to separate the second sub-cell stack into a second polymer separator 48 and a positive electrode layer 52. It should be understood that... Figure 5A and 5C The embodiments shown are merely non-limiting, and any suitable arrangement or number of rollers may be used.

[0039] In both arrangements, for the separation of layers, each of the first roller, second roller, third roller and fourth roller 58 / 58′, 64 / 64′, 62 / 62′, 66 / 66′ may have a hollow cylindrical shell 68 with a hole 72. Figure 5B Only the first roller 58 is shown; however, it should be understood that each roller may have a similar construction. When negative pressure or vacuum suction (VS) is applied within the hollow cylindrical housing 68, the layers in the cell stack roll (or sub-cell stack) closest to the outer surface are pressed tightly against the roller, separating the closest layer from the remaining layers.

[0040] Although Figure 5A , 5C Figure 5D shows only one core C being unrolled, but it should be understood that more than one core C can be unrolled at once. Multiple cores, for example, can be aligned along their central longitudinal axis and positioned axially parallel to the roller, allowing all cores to be unrolled simultaneously.

[0041] After the layers are separated, the positive electrode layer 52, the negative electrode layer 46, the first polymer separator 44, and the second polymer separator 48 are collected respectively in positive electrode layer collection box 98, negative electrode layer collection box 94, first polymer separator collection box 92, and second polymer separator collection box 96. After being separated by vacuum rollers, each layer must be separated from its corresponding roller; therefore, as a non-limiting embodiment, each of the collection boxes 92, 94, 96, and 98 may have a scraper or similar structure positioned adjacent to it. Thus, the corresponding layer will be scraped off from the surface of the roller as it enters the collection box. As a further non-limiting embodiment, the orifice 72 of each roller may be selectively partially blocked, thereby allowing vacuum suction to be cut off at the roller section where the layer needs to be separated from the roller. Alternatively, or in addition to this blocking, outwardly directed compressed air (or any other suitable type of fluid) may be blown out from inside the roller to separate the layer from the roller at a specific location within the roller.

[0042] Furthermore, to increase system reliability and prevent separated layers from being collected in the wrong collection box, a detection system can be installed to inspect each layer after separation from the vacuum roller. The detection system will detect whether the separated layer is a positive electrode, negative electrode, or polymer separator, and guide the layer to the appropriate collection box. The detection system can be, as a non-limiting embodiment, an image recognition system for observing visual differences between layers, an X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy system for distinguishing layers by material properties, or similar. After detection, the separated layers can be moved to their respective collection boxes using any suitable technique, such as a conveyor belt or similar. If system 100 is used solely for a single type of battery, or for batteries from mixed sources but with the same layer arrangement, then the detection system is not necessary.

[0043] It should be understood that the system and method described above can be applied to other types of batteries, and the cylindrical battery B is shown for illustrative purposes only. Figure 5D In a non-limiting embodiment, the battery core C′ of the prismatic battery is secured by a core securing device 82 adjacent to the first and second rollers 58, 64. Once an open / closed end, similar to the open / closed end 38, is formed, the battery core C′ can be unrolled in a similar manner. It should be understood that the core securing device 82 can be rotated, or can be driven to rotate, to assist in the unrolling of the battery core C′.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be understood that system 100 can be used with any suitable type of battery. While conventional lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, system 100 can also be used with batteries containing a solid electrolyte. In such batteries, no polymer separator is used, and the solid electrolyte can be placed between the positive and negative electrode layers. These three materials are wound together to form the battery cell core. System 100 can be adapted to separate the battery cell core into a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and two solid electrolyte layers, rather than two polymer separator layers. For such solid electrolyte batteries, the washing section 20 is not necessary.

[0045] It will be understood that the systems and methods for separating battery components are not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but cover any and all of the embodiments described herein that make possible within the general language of the claims below, or embodiments otherwise shown in the drawings or described above in terms sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A system for separating battery components, comprising: At least one clamp for securing the battery; A first cutting device is used to cut the battery casing of the battery to expose the battery cell core; A washing device, at least partially filled with a washing solution, is used to remove electrolyte from the battery cell core. The second cutting device is used to cut the outer wrapping layer of the battery cell core to form an open and loose end; A separating device is used to separate the open / closed end of the battery cell core to unwind the battery cell stack, the battery cell stack having a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, a first polymer separator layer, and a second polymer separator layer; and Multiple rollers are adapted to receive and selectively drive the movement of the battery cell stack roll, the multiple rollers separating the battery cell stack roll into the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the first polymer separator layer and the second polymer separator layer; Each of the plurality of rollers includes a hollow cylindrical shell with a plurality of holes. When a negative pressure is applied inside the hollow cylindrical shell, a corresponding layer of the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the first polymer membrane layer, and the second polymer membrane layer is attracted and pressed tightly against the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical shell. Upon separation from the drum, the corresponding layer of the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the first polymer membrane layer, and the second polymer membrane layer is separated from the cylindrical shell surface by at least partially blocking at least a portion of the plurality of holes or by blowing pressurized fluid out of the plurality of holes.

2. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, further comprising a battery holding device suitable for receiving and securing the battery, wherein the at least one clamp holds the battery when the battery is located in the battery holding device.

3. The system for separating battery components according to claim 2 further includes a feeding device that cooperates with the battery fixing device to transfer the battery to the battery fixing device.

4. The system for separating battery components according to claim 3, wherein the feeding device includes an inclined track.

5. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, further comprising a drying device for drying the battery cell core after washing in the washing device.

6. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, further comprising: A positive electrode layer collection box is used to receive the positive electrode layer; A negative electrode layer collection box is used to receive the negative electrode layer; A first polymer membrane collection box is used to receive the first polymer membrane. And a second polymer membrane collection box for receiving the second polymer membrane.

7. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rollers comprises: First and second rollers are adapted to receive and selectively drive the movement of the battery cell stack roll, the first and second rollers separating the battery cell stack roll into a first sub-cell stack including the first polymer separator layer and the negative electrode layer, and a second sub-cell stack including the second polymer separator layer and the positive electrode layer; The third roller is used to separate the first sub-cell into the first polymer separator and the negative electrode layer; as well as The fourth roller is used to separate the second sub-cell into the second polymer separator and the positive electrode layer.

8. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of rollers comprises: First and second rollers are adapted to receive and selectively drive the movement of the battery cell stack roll, the first and second rollers separating the battery cell stack roll into a first polymer separator layer and a first sub-cell stack, the first sub-cell stack including the negative electrode layer, the second polymer separator layer and the positive electrode layer; The third roller is used to separate the first sub-cell stack into the negative electrode layer and the second sub-cell stack including the second polymer separator layer and the positive electrode layer; as well as The fourth roller is used to separate the second sub-cell into the second polymer separator and the positive electrode layer.

9. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, further comprising a core fixing device adjacent to the plurality of rollers for fixing and rotating the battery cell core as the cell stack is fed into the plurality of rollers.

10. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, wherein the first cutting device is selected from a combination of: a knife, a laser cutting device, a needle, a circular saw, a water jet, an arc discharge machine, and combinations thereof.

11. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, wherein the second cutting device is selected from a combination of: a blade, a laser, a localized flame, a heated element, and combinations thereof.

12. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, wherein the washing solution is selected from a combination of: water, acid, alkaline solution, aqueous salt solution, organic solvent, and combinations thereof.

13. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, wherein the washing device has a substantially wavy shape, and the battery cell core is fed into and removed from the washing solution by at least one clamp.

14. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell core is fed into, moved through and removed from the washing solution by at least one clamp.

15. The system for separating battery components according to claim 1, further comprising a conveyor belt for transporting the battery cell core from the washing device to the second cutting device.

16. A method for separating battery components, comprising the following steps: Cut the battery casing to expose the battery cell core; The battery cell core is washed to remove electrolyte from it; Cut the outer wrapping layer of the battery cell core to form an open and loose end; The open and loose end of the battery cell core is joined with the first roller and the second roller to unwind the cell stack of the battery cell core, wherein the cell stack includes a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, a first polymer separator and a second polymer separator. The battery cell layers are separated into the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the first polymer separator layer, and the second polymer separator layer using the first, second, third, and fourth rollers; wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth rollers includes a hollow cylindrical shell with a plurality of holes, wherein when a negative pressure is applied inside the hollow cylindrical shell, a corresponding layer of the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the first polymer separator layer, and the second polymer separator layer is attracted and pressed against the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical shell; upon separation from the rollers, the corresponding layer of the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, the first polymer separator layer, and the second polymer separator layer is separated from the surface of the cylindrical shell by at least partially blocking at least a portion of the plurality of holes or by blowing pressurized fluid out of the plurality of holes; Collect the positive electrode layer; Collect the negative electrode layer; Collect the first polymer membrane layer; and Collect the second layer of polymer membrane.

17. The method for separating battery components according to claim 16, further comprising the following steps: The battery is loaded into the battery retainer before the step of cutting the battery casing; as well as The battery cell core is dried after the step of washing the battery cell core.

18. The method for separating battery components according to claim 16, wherein the step of cutting the battery casing is performed in an inert gas environment.

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